Health

Activation of peripheral leukocytes in rat pregnancy and experimental preeclampsia

Article Abstract:

Pre-eclampsia may be partly an inflammatory disorder. This was the conclusion of researchers who discovered that pregnant rats with pre-eclampsia had activated white blood cells. Pre-eclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy.

Endothelial cell proliferation is suppressed by plasma but not serum from women with preeclampsia

Article Abstract:

Pregnant women with preeclampsia may have a factor in their plasma that inhibits endothelial cell reproduction, and the placenta may be the source of this factor. Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy involving high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and fluid retention. Researchers compared the effects of serum and plasma from preeclamptic and normal pregnant women on endothelial cell reproduction. Plasma, but not serum, from preeclamptic women was found to inhibit endothelial cell growth, especially in cases of severe preeclampsia. The substance which inhibits endothelial cell reproduction is assumed to come from the preeclamptic placenta in its early stages of development, and then it may circulate throughout the mother's body.

Normal pregnancy and preeclampsia both produce inflammatory changes in peripheral blood leukocytes akin to those of sepsis

Article Abstract:

Many white blood cells seem to be activated during pregnancy, especially if it results in preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is hypertension during pregnancy. Researchers measured cell surface markers of activation in blood samples from 21 pregnant women, 21 pregnant women with preeclampsia, 21 healthy non-pregnant women and six patients with septic shock. The white blood cells of the pregnant women were more highly activated than non-pregnant women, and especially so in those with preeclampsia. The activation was similar but not identical to that seen in the patients with septic shock.